USA to consider legislation to recognize Bright Monday as holiday
Bright Monday may become a holiday in the USA. Photo: open sources
U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, announced the introduction of a new bill that would make Easter a federal holiday so families can spend together "the holiest day in Christianity," Schmitt reported on X.
In a series of posts on social media platform X, Schmitt explained why this day should receive federal recognition, starting with the fact that "81% of Americans celebrate Easter."
"But," he continued, "our current holiday schedule makes it too difficult for families to celebrate together".
The new bill is in the very early stages of the legislative process, but it states that its goal is to "designate Easter Monday as an official state holiday," which, according to Schmitt, "is not a radical idea".
"This isn’t a radical idea. It’s a federal recognition of a tradition that is central to Western civilization – a tradition that’s already recognized as a public holiday in nations across (and beyond!) the West," Schmitt stated.
"This is not even a novelty for America," the senator continued. "We already have a National Day of Prayer, signed into law by President [Harry] Truman from Missouri. A federal holiday for Easter Monday would allow Americans to celebrate the most exceptional day in world history, Easter – the day of Christ's Resurrection."
Schmitt noted that Easter is not a "micro-holiday," but a day that "unites more than three-quarters of Americans."
"For generations, many American school calendars have given students a day off on Good Friday and Easter Monday," he added.
The senator stated that federal recognition of the holiday is "pro-worker, pro-family, pro-faith".
"Our holidays and traditions are part of the story we tell about ourselves. This is not a partisan issue. This is not a 'Republican' or 'Democratic' holiday. This is an American holiday that allows us to fully celebrate a defining moment of faith that has shaped our nation and civilization," Schmitt concluded.
Earlier, teh UOJ reported that Trump issued an official message about Holy Week.
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